Local tradespeople question new Ontario College of Trades

About 20 local tradespeople discussed their options in Mitchell Wednesday when two Progressive Conservative MPPs outlined their concerns over the new Ontario College of Trades.

Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop and John Meinen, former president of the Stratford and Area Builders’ Association and current second vice-president of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, spoke about the new organization.

The new college says it will be a regulatory body for tradespeople similar to colleges for Ontario nurses, doctors and teachers. The mandate for the College of Trades includes setting training and certification standards and “protecting the public interest from unqualified, incompetent or unfit practitioners,” according to its website.

But the OCT’s higher membership fees and enforcement struck a nerve with the tradespeople gathered at Edmunds Garage Wednesday morning.

Previously, the fee for a certificate of qualification from the Ministry of Labour was $60 for three years. Under the new OCT, the membership fee for a journeyperson rises to $360 (plus HST) for three years. It’s an increase of 676%.

“It’s a revenue-generating machine for the College of Trades,” said Meinen. The college will be funded by membership fees.

Dunlop referred to the OCT’s enforcement as “trades cops” who can visit construction sites or hairdressing salons asking for proper certification.

An electrician noted that the Electrical Safety Authority, the Consumer Protection Act and the Ministry of Labour police electrical work closely.

“They’re just duplicating what’s already there,” he said about the College of Trades.

The Progressive Conservatives have jumped on the issue. Dunlop, a licensed plumber as well as the PC critic for skilled trades and apprenticeship reform, said he’s made over 100 stops from Ottawa to Windsor talking to tradespeople.

The College of Trades refers to itself as an “industry-driven organization” but Dunlop said he doesn’t see much support for the organization in his travels across the province.

“After listening to all this I’m sure all you guys want to work for cash,” said Meinen.

Meinen warned that the increased costs of the OCT will also end up being passed to consumers.

He said a bathroom renovation could end up requiring 10 licensed tradespeople, driving the cost up from about $3,500 to $10,000.

“What if everyone refuses to join?” asked John Huenemoerder, owner of JMS Automotive.

Meinen said that’s what he would recommend, although Dunlop was hesitant.

“We can’t tell you to break the law,” he said.

Dunlop warned that the College of Trades could start making some currently voluntary trades, like carpentry, drywall hanging and chefs, into compulsory trades.

“This takes in almost everybody who works with their hands in Ontario,” he said.

Several trades organizations have launched a joint “Stop the Trades Tax” campaign, including a petition available at www.stopthetradestax.ca.